Spotlight

The latest Spotlight Webinar introduced the new Nassau BOCES Pathfinders Program, a groundbreaking collaboration between Outdoor and Environmental Education and Health and Allied Services for the 2024-25 academic year. Audre Midura, Supervisor, Curriculum, Instruction and Technology and Craig Gielarowski, Program Coordinator, Outdoor and Environmental Education described how Pathfinders can help to cultivate leadership and social competencies through outdoor adventures, bolstering mental health and unlocking the potential for social-emotional learning (SEL) and executive skill development. View the Spotlight webinar here.

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts

Join Nassau BOCES Mental and Behavioral Health Services for Influenced Minds: Exploring the Impact of Social Media and Phone Use on Childhood Development and Mental Wellness, exploring phone and social media’s profound impact on young minds. Drawing from Dr. Kara Alaimo’s book, “Over the Influence,” we’ll discuss strategies for schools to establish healthy tech policies. Our summit opens with remarks by Zach Rausch, NYU Stern’s Associate Research Scientist, followed by discussions on social media toxicity moderated by David Hymowitz. Featuring experts like Justine Ang Fonte and Lauren Tetenbaum, this event aims to educate all of us on social media risks and advocates for a return to play-based childhood. Over the Influence Flyer.pdf (nassauboces.org)

$50 per person for Nassau BOCES Mental Health Consortium Member Districts.

$150 per person for non-member districts.

School/Staff registration: Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Parent/PTA registration: Influenced Minds: Exploring the Impact of Social Media and Phone Use on Childhood (office.com)

Syosset CSD Baylis Elementary School Library Media Specialist, Jessica Febraro recently shared her elementary STEAM unit "Balloons Over Baylis," with other educators during a special STEM Showcase hosted by the Nassau BOCES Model Schools Service. The Service hosts five roundtables throughout the year for instructional technology specialists and coaches to participate in a collaborative setting and discuss technology related topics. At this roundtable, Syosset CSD, Wantagh UFSD and Oceanside UFSD presented STEM tools they are using in their districts. “Our meetings bring together instructional technology coaches from over 50 districts across Nassau County,” explained Regina Moraitis, Supervisor of the Model Schools Services. “The goal is to create a collaborative community for networking, showcasing project ideas, and discussing technology innovations and trends.” Events / Technology Integration Specialist Roundtable (nassauboces.org)

The Nassau BOCES Center for Online Learning (COL) held its culminating event for the third year of the Students Soar with STEM Success grant program. The grant, a five-year initiative funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), is dedicated to elevating teacher effectiveness and fostering student achievement in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), in collaboration with Nassau BOCES and New York Tech (NYIT). This year, 70 teachers from eight school districts collaborated with a team of NYIT facilitators through a professional development program to increase the use of instructional technology in district-specified STEM areas. The culminating event provided attendees with a firsthand look at the achievements of grant participants, featuring insightful teacher presentations, dynamic demonstrations and engaging breakout sessions. Moreover, it served as a platform for collaborative discussions aimed at sustaining the momentum towards realizing the grant's overarching goals of empowering K-8 educators in the realms of computer science, engineering, and educational technology. Nassau BOCES Center for Online Learning Hosts Culminating Event for Year Three of Students Soar with STEM Success Grant

A total of 34 students from Nassau BOCES premier Career and Technical Education high schools, Barry Tech and the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) earned top honors at the New York State Regional SkillsUSA Conference held recently at Suffolk County Community College. Ten students took first place, six placed second and eighteen came in third place. Long Island High School for the Arts Visual Arts student from Syosset CSD, Janice Lee took first place in the pin design contest. This is the first time a student from LIHSA took that top honor. For a list of this year’s regional winners from Barry Tech (27 winners) and Long Island High School for the Arts (7 winners), their SkillsUSA competition, home school district and program of study, visit Events / SkillsUSA 2024 (nassauboces.org)

On May 7, 2024, Nassau BOCES will honor 11 individuals and three organizations that have had profound effects on public education in Nassau County. The Nassau BOCES Education Partner Awards program pays tribute to outstanding educational leaders, organizations, school administrators and staff, students, teachers, Nassau BOCES employees and other champions of education. Awards Programs / Nassau BOCES Education Partner Awards Program

Last year, Nassau BOCES launched an internal professional development initiative to help staff improve their computer skills. Our Professional Development Coordinator, Theresa DeMatteo, releases a new What the Tech? video tip each week. In addition, she hosts monthly webinars. We have a library of short, easy-to-understand videos that you are welcome to share with your staff members. When Microsoft launches new tools and resources, we often produce a What the Tech? video to help create a smooth transition for staff.

NYS Algebra II: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Robert E. Lupinskie Center

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

NYS Geometry: Thursday, May 2, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Robert E. Lupinskie Center

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Social Studies: Friday, May 3, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Robert E. Lupinskie Center

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Exploring Changes in Geometry and Algebra II (VIRTUAL): Monday, May 6, 2024, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Exploring Changes in Geometry and Algebra II (VIRTUAL): Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

English Language Arts: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 9 a.m.-Noon, Robert E. Lupinskie Center

Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Friday, May 3, 2024, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jones Beach Environmental Center

Join NYS Department of Environmental Conservation staff for a new professional development opportunity created by the Mid-Atlantic National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN). The Coastal Acidification in the Classroom Module course is ideal for earth science, marine sciences, biology, and oceanography teachers who teach grades 9-12. Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Jones Beach Environmental Center

Please join NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Staff for a new professional development opportunity. Participants will learn how to use the recently released "Plastic Pollution and You" curriculum to bolster existing lessons or incorporate a new unit into their classroom. Educators should be ready to walk on uneven sandy terrain. This course is ideal for social studies, civics, earth science, marine sciences, and oceanography teachers who teach grades 7-12. Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Friday, June 14, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Robert E. Lupinskie Center

At this showcase workshop, participating teachers from the past three years of the Smart Start grant will share their inspiring projects with district administrators, instructional technology leaders and K-8 teachers. The showcase includes large presentations and a menu of breakout discussions/collaborative discussions that move participants throughout the Lupinskie Center. Participants MAY also have the opportunity to sign up for year four of the grant, depending on seat availability. Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Friday, June 28, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cedarmere

A restorative and collaborative educational experience for school administrators, coordinators and lead teachers at Cedarmere, the home of poet William Cullen Bryant which is on the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Underground Heritage Trail. We will integrate and model pathways for teachers and students that blend together Social Studies, the Natural Sciences and English Language Arts. Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Tuesday, July 9 through Thursday, July 11, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily

Robert E. Lupinskie Center

This three-day summer institute designed for K-8 educators interested in the latest research on how we learn to read will leave participants feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to support all students on their reading journey. We will study the five pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics (including alphabetic principle and orthography), fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Within each "pillar” we will give recommendations and practical models for assessments, small group instruction, and progress monitoring. Frontline Education (mylearningplan.com)

Nassau County Board of Cooperative Educational Services

Susan Bergtraum, President; Deborah Coates, Vice President

Ronald Ellerbe; Lawrence Greenstein; Martin R. Kaye; Fran N. Langsner

Robert "B.A." Schoen; Eric B. Schultz; Michael Weinick

April E. Poprilo, Interim District Superintendent

James Widmer, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Operating Officer

Colleen Lipponer, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services

Thomas McGrath, Assistant to the Superintendent (Human Resources/Regional Schools and Instructional Programs)

Susan McNulty, Assistant to the Superintendent (Special Education/Curriculum and Instruction)